Florida Barbecued Ribs

Prep: 120 min Cook: 16 min Serves: 6 Cuisine: American

Juicy beef short ribs glazed with a tangy, sweet pineapple and cranberry sauce mixture, perfect for hearty gatherings and lovers of bold, flavorful barbecue dishes.

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Ingredients

  • 6 lb beef short ribs
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp pepper
  • 1/2 c water
  • 1 c pineapple preserves
  • 1/2 c canned whole berry cranberry sauce
  • 1/2 c chili sauce
  • 1/2 c cider vinegar
  • 1/4 c Heinz steak sauce

Instructions

  1. Salt and pepper the ribs and parboil them for 2 hours.
  2. Combine pineapple preserves, cranberry sauce, chili sauce, cider vinegar, and Heinz steak sauce to make the barbecue sauce.
  3. Brush both sides of the parboiled ribs with the barbecue sauce.
  4. Cook the ribs 5 inches from the coals, 8 minutes on each side, brushing with sauce and turning constantly.
  5. Heat the remaining sauce and serve with the ribs.

Tips & Substitutions

For a deeper flavor, marinate the ribs in the barbecue sauce overnight. If you're short on time, you can substitute the pineapple preserves with apricot jam. Use chicken or pork ribs if you prefer. When grilling, maintain a consistent heat to avoid burning the sauce. Consider basting with more sauce as the ribs cook for added richness.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these Florida Barbecued Ribs with classic sides like coleslaw, cornbread, or baked beans for a hearty meal. A fresh garden salad or grilled vegetables can add a nice contrast. They pair beautifully with a chilled beer or a fruity cocktail, making them perfect for summer cookouts or gatherings.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover ribs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, wrap the ribs in foil and warm them in the oven at 350°F for about 20-30 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat them on the grill for a smoky flavor.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Florida Barbecued Ribs contains roughly 646 calories, with 65g protein, 16g carbohydrates, and 36g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (130% of the Daily Value), iron (49% of the Daily Value), and potassium (24% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1601mg per serving (70% of the Daily Value).

646 kcal 32% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 65g 100% DV
Total Fat 35.7g 46% DV
Carbs 15.8g 6% DV
Fiber 0.6g 2% DV
Sugar 7.4g 15% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1600.6mg 70% DV
Potassium 1118.8mg 24% DV
Cholesterol 243.3mg 81% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 9mcg 1% DV
Vitamin C 3mg 3% DV
Vitamin D 0.3mcg 2% DV
Calcium 48.2mg 4% DV
Iron 8.8mg 49% DV
Diet fit High-protein Low-carb

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different cut of meat for this recipe?

Yes, you can use pork ribs or even chicken if you prefer a lighter option. Adjust cooking times accordingly, as different meats will cook at different rates. Ensure you still soak the meat in the barbecue sauce for full flavor.

How do I know when the ribs are done cooking?

Ribs are done when they are tender and the meat starts to pull away from the bones. You can also check the internal temperature, which should reach at least 145°F for beef ribs. The grilling time of 8 minutes per side should suffice for a good char.

Can I make the barbecue sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely! The barbecue sauce can be made up to a week in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just be sure to heat it up before using it on the ribs to enhance the flavors. This makes it convenient for meal prep.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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